Chandeliers are always the first choice for refreshing your home décor. Elegant and timeless, they can completely transform the look and feel of any room. Because they are such showstoppers, installing a chandelier correctly is just as important as choosing the right size and style. But installing a chandelier isn’t as easy as hanging a picture. It requires time, skills, and the proper tools to ensure a safe and secure installation.
DIY vs Professional Installation Considerations
DIYing can be rewarding if you have the necessary skills, tools, and time. However, the potential risks may not be worth it. Chandeliers are heavy, and installing them can be complex. Handling a chandelier without professional experience can cause injuries and could result in improper installation. A professional installer has the specialized knowledge needed to install your chandelier safely and securely, avoiding potential electrical issues. They are up-to-date on electrical safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to your chandelier and your home’s wiring.
This instructional guide is for standard, uncomplicated installations. Every chandelier installation has risks and issues that can’t always be predicted. Proceed at your own risk.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Chandelier Safely
Before you begin, make sure that the electricity in the room where you will be working has been turned off from the breaker box. You’ll need a ladder, screwdriver, wire nuts, and wire strippers. Chandeliers are heavy and can be awkward to handle, so enlisting a friend to help is a must for safety.
Step 1: Remove the old fixture and disconnect the wiring.
Step 2: Ensure the ceiling box is secure and rated to support the new chandelier’s weight. Most ceiling boxes can hold 50 pounds to 75 pounds.
Step 3: Attach the new chandelier’s mounting bracket to the ceiling box with screws.
Step 4: Insert the hook at the end of the chandelier hook into the bracket.
Step 5: Thread the fixture’s mounting stem into the mounting bracket on the ceiling box.
Step 6: Check the condition of the supply wires. Use wire strippers to cut damaged ends and remove the wire’s insulated covering.
Step 7: Reconnect the wires, first the black hot wire, then the neutral white wire. As you connect each wire, twist the ends together and secure them with a wire nut.
Step 8: Place all the wires snugly in the electric box and cover it with the chandelier’s decorative plate. Leave some slack in the wire to reduce the chances of the chandelier’s weight damaging the wiring.
Step 9: Insert the bulbs and turn on the power. Enjoy your newly installed chandelier.
Kayla 42 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Capital Lighting Fixture Company
@everydaylovelydesign, Photography by @susiephoto
The Kayla 42 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Capital Lighting Fixture Company adds tons of texture that levels up this bedroom’s eclectic flair. The cascading strands of wooden beads bring a bohemian feel and a relaxed atmosphere, making this space a haven to enjoy every day.
Paige 33 Inch Chandelier by Mitzi
@bartholethomefurnishings, Photography by @frenchbluephotography
Decorated with floral details, the Paige 33-inch chandelier by Mitzi adds a bouquet of style to brighten every morning. The perfect centerpiece in this breakfast nook, the chandelier is perfectly hung, allowing a clear view across the table while also providing ample lighting.
Poppy 26 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Crystorama
@naliniarantesdesign, Photography by @adamtaylorphotos
The vaulted ceilings in this bedroom call for a fixture that can stand up to the space. The Poppy 26 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Crystorama does just that. It’s natural, organic wooden beads create a rich visual impact that highlights the smooth paneling and contrasts with the textured neutral floor rug.
Common Chandelier Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced DIYer can make mistakes when installing a chandelier, such as:
- Not making sure the power is off before working with electrical wiring.
- Not checking that the ceiling box is rated to hold the chandelier’s weight.
- Incorrectly reconnecting the wiring, causing electrical hazards.
- Over-tightening screws on the electrical box (the box may become loose once the weight of the chandelier is added).
- Not leaving enough wire slack can stress the connections and lead to electrical issues.
Revolve 42 Light Chandelier by Alora Lighting
The soaring heights of the ceiling in this living room scream for a statement chandelier, and the Revolve 42 Light Chandelier by Alora Lighting answers the call. It evokes the elegance of antique candle holders with clear glass tubes accented with metal rings as it floats effortlessly above the seating area.
Tiffany Chandelier by Arteriors Home
@cocreativeinteriors, Photography by @tiffanyringwald
The whimsical Tiffany Chandelier by Arteriors Home’s wind chime design brings casual grace to this elegant dining area. The blackened iron frame supports the seedy glass discs, giving the fixture a hint of industrialism.
Check out our online catalog to find the perfect chandelier for your home or stop by one of our local lighting showrooms. Our experienced lighting experts will show you around and, when you’ve made your selection, help you find a professional installer to ensure your beautiful chandelier is hung correctly and safely.